Years ago, Randy and I had a romantic getaway at Hidden Valley in Calauan, Laguna. I remember us having a great time there.

Fast forward to Valentine’s season this year. At the last minute, Randy decided for our family to have a Valentine’s weekend staycation there. Yes, Raviv included. So forget about coupley stuff. May kasama kaming ipu-ipo personified. LOL.

We went there on Valentine’s Day itself. From Feb 14-15 (Sun-Sat) because the 13-14 slot was already fully booked.

True enough, when we arrived there, the usually quiet pools were filled with people.

Anyway, here’s a review of the place in case you are planning to go there.

The ambiance

If you are not a nature lover, don’t go to Hidden Valley because you will be bored to death. There is no Wifi and cellphone signal is bad. The old style TV (read: not flat screen) in the cottage has Cignal, though. But if you are a tree-hugger, this is the place to be. Why? Take a look:

Road going to the pools

The Pools

I’d say that these are the main attractions of Hidden Valley. No one—I say NO ONE—could resist the call of the clear and clean springs of the Hidden Valley pools! Unlike your regular swimming pools, they are chlorine-free but they are still clean because water is running and free-flowing just like beaches. But unlike beaches, the water is not salty and does not sting the eyes.

There are 3 pool clusters at Hidden Valley: The Warm Pools, Soda Pools, and Lovers’ Pool.

The Warm Pools are the first cluster of pools you would see. I think they’re also the most popular. Take a look why:

The Warm Pools scenery has a dreamy-like ambiance. I wouldn’t be surprised if I see an elf, a fairy or a sprite pop out!

A few meters from the Warm Pools are the other pools.

Steps from the Warm pools to the Soda Pools

The Soda Pools look more like the traditional pools where one could practice his strokes. Unlike the Warm Pools, there are no mini-pools within a big pool. There were less “waterfalls”, too. It’s bigger and wider and there’s also a deep part. And although it is still surrounded by lush vegetation, it is less shady here.

And just like the typical resort, there also a “kiddie pool”.

And finally, the Lovers’ Pool.

It is called so because it is still quite far from the Soda Pools. It is secluded, tucked away in the heart of thick vegetation. Even from the spot where I took this photo, I had to walk a few meters going doen just to get there. If Randy and I didn’t have Raviv with us, we definitely would have loved to spend time here. Couples were really lovey-dovey there. Kakahiya naman if we go there with Raviv in tow, hehe.

But don’t get too jiggy rin ha? The Lovers’ Pool is visible along the road to the Hidden Falls.

The Hidden Falls

To be honest, it’s not exactly a sight to behold.

But going there is an adventure!

First, we pass by this centuries-old fallen tree.

It was really sad because when Randy and I went there years ago, it was still standing majestically. Randy the Eco-Hero said he was teary-eyed upon reading the “obituary”.

But even as it fell, it was still useful! Its huge fallen trunk served as our “bridge” in going to the Hidden Falls.

And in our quest to get near the Hidden Falls, trudging the shallow yet uneven, rocky waters was also another adventure!

Tip: It is better to wear slippers when walking on the rocky waters because some rocks are sharp.

Bonus: Birding

Randy is currently addicted to bird photography, so that’s an added bonus for him. Let me show you some of the birds he shot:

Scale-feathered malkoha

Chestnut munia

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If you’re curious about the food and cottage accommodations, wait for my next post. 🙂 For the meantime, more Hidden Valley photos HERE.

I’m a nature lover and I love exploring places that makes me feel close to it. Hidden Valley, the name itself is very inviting and the pictures are even more so. Would definitely love to visit it in the future. Thanks for sharing 🙂